Guselkumab
Drug Class: Biologics (IL-inhibitor)
Brand Names: Tremfya
Dosages
For psoriatic arthritis patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis:
- Plaque Psoriasis: 100 mg by subcutaneous injection at Week 0, Week 4 and every 8 weeks thereafter.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: 100 mg administered by subcutaneous injection at Week 0, Week 4 and every 8 weeks thereafter.
Potential Side Effects
The most common side effects include infections, headache, pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, joint pain and stomach problems (diarrhea, abdominal pain). It’s possible to have a severe allergic reaction after first dose (skin rash, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing).
Special Instructions
- Keep refrigerated but do not freeze. Do not shake the filled syringe.
- Before injection, allow guselkumab to reach room temperature without removing the needle cap.
- Guselkumab is a clear, colorless to light yellow liquid with tiny white or clear particles. Do not inject if liquid is cloudy, discolored and has large particles.
- Do not inject into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, hard, thick, scaly, or affected by psoriasis. Inject in:
- Front of thighs (recommended)
- Lower stomach area except for a 2-inch area right around your navel (belly-button)
- Back of upper arms (only if someone else is giving you the injection)
Be Aware
All biologics suppress the immune system and may increase your risk of infections. Tell your doctor if you have an active infection. Do not start treatment if you have a serious or recurrent infection (such as pneumonia). You should be tested for tuberculosis before starting this medication. Do not get a live vaccine when taking biologics.
LAST UPDATED: 8/3/2020
